Cabral, Amilcar Lopes

1924–1973
Political and revolutionary activist

Born in the Portuguese colony of GUINEA (later, GUINEA-BISSAU), Amilcar Lopes Cabral went to Portugal to study. After graduating from the University of Lisbon, he returned home a revolutionary leader, and he brought about Guinea-Bissau's independence.

Cabral believed that people who opposed oppression should take action and commit themselves to social reform. He won respect at home and abroad for his political convictions. In 1956 he formed and led an underground movement against Portuguese rule. In time the movement achieved military and political victories, but Cabral himself was assassinated by Portuguese agents in 1973. The following year Guinea-Bissau gained independence, and Cabral's brother became the first president of the new country.